Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury are scheduled for a rematch on December 21, according to the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s general entertainment authority.
Usyk claimed a split decision victory over Fury on May 18, becoming the first undisputed champion of the four-belt era.
Initially planned for October, the rematch date has been moved to December, as confirmed by Turki Alalshikh.
“The world will witness another historic fight,” Alalshikh remarked.
Usyk, who became the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999, added Fury’s WBC belt to his collection of WBA, WBO, and IBF titles during their previous bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The venue for the rematch during Riyadh Season has yet to be announced.
Fury, seeking redemption after his first professional defeat to Usyk, will aim to overturn the result.
While the IBF may strip Usyk of his belt due to a mandatory challenger issue, Usyk has requested an exception to retain the belt for the rematch, pending IBF’s decision.
The rematch promises to be a significant event in the boxing world, potentially setting up future bouts involving other heavyweight contenders like Anthony Joshua.
Oleksandr Usyk, the current undisputed heavyweight champion, and Tyson Fury are slated for a highly anticipated rematch on December 21, as announced by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s general entertainment authority.
Usyk secured his place in boxing history by defeating Fury in their first encounter on May 18, capturing the WBC belt in addition to his existing WBA, WBO, and IBF titles. This victory marked Usyk as the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999.
Originally planned for October, the rematch was postponed to December to ensure optimal preparation and promotion for this significant event.
Turki Alalshikh emphasized the global significance of the rematch, stating, “The world will witness another historic fight,” underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to hosting high-profile boxing events during Riyadh Season, an annual entertainment festival.
While the venue for the rematch has yet to be confirmed, Riyadh Season has become a renowned platform for major sporting events since its inception in 2019.
Tyson Fury, eager to avenge his first professional defeat against Usyk, will enter the ring with renewed determination. The 35-year-old British boxer, known for his resilience and strategic prowess, aims to reclaim his status as a world champion.
However, uncertainties loom over the involvement of all four belts in the rematch, particularly with the IBF considering stripping Usyk of his title due to mandatory challenger obligations. Usyk has formally requested an exception to retain the IBF belt, pending a decision by the organization’s board of directors.
The rematch between Usyk and Fury is anticipated to draw global attention, with boxing enthusiasts eagerly awaiting another clash between these two formidable competitors. The outcome of this bout could potentially shape the future landscape of heavyweight boxing, influencing potential matchups involving other top contenders like Anthony Joshua.
As preparations continue and details unfold, the boxing world remains captivated by the prospect of a thrilling rematch that promises to deliver intense action and suspense on December 21.